nelfinavir powder - oral, Viracept (cont.)

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using nelfinavir and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth with a meal, usually 2 to 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor.In general, each dose of powder should be mixed just before taking. Measure out the prescribed dose of powder using the supplied scoop and place in a glass. Mix the dose with a small amount (3 ounces or 90 milliliters) of water, milk, formula, soy formula/milk, or nutrition drink. Drink immediately and rinse the glass with more liquid. Drink the rinse liquid. Do not mix with acidic food or juices (such as orange juice, apple juice/sauce) since this may make the medicine taste bitter. If the mixture is not taken immediately, store it in the refrigerator and take within 6 hours.The dosage is based on your weight, liver function, medical condition, other medications, and response to treatment.This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.It is very important to continue taking this medication (and other HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it (or other HIV medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of virus to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat, or worsen side effects.

SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea is a common side effect of this medication. If you have diarrhea, ask your doctor or pharmacist about ways to lessen this side effect, such as using anti-diarrhea medicine. Nausea or gas may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Some people may experience worsening of a previous medical condition (such as an old infection) as their immune systems improve, or develop new conditions because their immune systems have become overactive. This reaction may occur at any time (soon after starting HIV treatment or many months later). Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: unexplained weight loss, persistent muscle aches/weakness, joint pain, numbness/tingling of the hands/feet/arms/legs, severe tiredness, vision changes, severe/persistent headaches, signs of infection (such as fever, chills, trouble breathing, cough, non-healing skin sores), signs of an overactive thyroid (such as irritability, nervousness, heat intolerance, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, bulging eyes, unusual growth in the neck/thyroid known as a goiter), signs of a certain nerve problem known as Guillain-Barre Syndrome (such as difficulty breathing/swallowing/moving your eyes, drooping face, paralysis, slurred speech).Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating), easy bruising/bleeding, persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.This medication may infrequently make your blood sugar level rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst and urination. If you already have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels regularly. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (such as increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor, as well as the possible use of exercise to reduce this side effect.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.